HERRIMAN — Samantha Brown often describes herself as a basketball player, a 6-foot-1 sophomore combo guard with a 4.0 GPA who is already being recruited by Weber State who averaged 10.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.3 blocks per game as a freshman while already drawing interest from Division I programs like Weber State and Utah Tech.
She’s dedicated enough that she posts on Instagram under “sambrownbasketball.”
But on Friday afternoon at Zions Bank Stadium, she may have also been the best thing to happen to Ridgeline’s girls soccer program in six years.
Brown scored the lone goal of the match midway through the second half to help Ridgeline secure its second state title with a 1-0 win over Crimson Cliffs in the 4A championship game at Zions Bank Stadium.
Ridgeline coach Richard Alexander isn’t sure how much longer Brown will stay with his program. But on Friday afternoon, he was glad to have her.
“What an athlete. What an athlete,” Alexander said. “It’s incredible to have a two-sport athlete like that.
“It’s not just her soccer knowledge, but her basketball IQ that plays into it. We love Sam, and we’re really hoping she comes back next season; I know she really wants to dedicate her time to basketball going forward. But I’m really hoping forward she will come back and continue this run that we’re on.”
After a scoreless first half, Brown found the back of the net in the 50th minute to give Ridgeline an edge.
The sophomore took a pass from Melanie Smith, took one touch, and lofted a ball that sailed underneath the crossbar to give the Riverhawks all the lead that goalkeeper Yadinen Parker all the separation required.
Photographer Josh Wood was at the game for Salt City Soccer. Here’s a sample of his photos; follow him on Instagram for more, and don’t be afraid to leave a tip on Venmo if you feel so inclined.
